In 2001, Mulgrave Country Club embarked on a significant journey to give back to the community. Under the leadership of President John Milledge and the Board of Directors, the club envisioned becoming the premier community-based club in Southeast Melbourne while elevating its profile. From these discussions, the idea of a scholarship program to support local students took shape, aimed at funding Year 11 students as they progressed into Year 12.

The Annual Scholarship Awards Program was conceived to assist local students in completing their higher education. The board sought a meaningful way to positively impact the community and enhance the club’s presence. The scholarship initiative, proposed by a board member, was unanimously embraced. It aimed to provide financial support to deserving students, breaking down barriers to education and fostering future leaders.

Mulgrave Country Club carefully selects schools within the local area to participate in the scholarship program. The criteria for student selection go beyond academic and sporting achievements, emphasising financial hardship, personal sacrifice, potential leadership qualities, and citizenship. This holistic approach ensures that no talented student is overlooked due to financial constraints, allowing them to reach their full potential.

Over the years, many scholarship recipients have achieved remarkable success in higher education. The club is committed to gathering more detailed accounts of these successes by engaging with participating schools. A particularly touching story was shared by Leon Ross, a former Board of Directors member and long-serving Club President. A single father, whose son had received the scholarship, expressed his gratitude to Leon. The scholarship provided crucial financial relief, enabling his son to complete Year 12, highlighting the program’s profound impact.

The inaugural scholarships in 2001 were awarded to students from eight secondary schools, each receiving $1,000. As the Monash area grew, the club extended the program to four additional schools and increased the scholarship amount to $2,000. In 2019, following the passing of John Milledge, the scholarship was renamed the John Milledge Scholarship Award in his honour, recognising his pivotal role in its inception.

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“Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Mulgrave Country Club’s annual John Milledge scholarship award ceremony for students in my community. Now in its 22nd year, this scholarship program supports young people who are struggling in the Monash area by awarding $2,000 scholarships to 12 Year 11 students, including five from schools in the Mulgrave electorate. I want to extend my congratulations to each of these deserving recipients on their achievements and thank the Mulgrave Country Club for this annual award,” said Eden Foster, State Member for Mulgrave Country Club.

Mulgrave Country Club is deeply committed to its community responsibility by investing in the education of local students. The scholarships not only support students’ futures but also aim to enhance the club’s visibility and recognition, ultimately expanding its membership base. The club aspires to be recognized as a leading community-based sporting, social, recreational, and hospitality club in Victoria, embodying its vision of community engagement and support.

Through the Annual Scholarship Awards Program, Mulgrave Country Club continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of local students, ensuring that financial hardships do not hinder their educational aspirations. This initiative stands as a testament to the club’s dedication to nurturing future leaders and contributing positively to the community.